Introducing the newest and most
authorative book on the history of
the Wooden Station Wagon to date.

Written and photographed by Rich Bloechl, this compilation contains the most accurate historic information about the evolution of the wooden station wagon from its humble beginnings in the early 1900’s, to the last days of production ending in 1953. Four years of investigative research and an endless photographic quest, has resulted in the most complete book on the history of the wooden station wagon . This deluxe hardcover book has 160 pages packed with photos of over 300 various Woodies and Wagons. Arranged in chronological order, this pictorial history collection is bound to become a collector’s item. Not available in book stores, see bottom of page to order .

About the cover photos: In order to exemplify the evolution of the station wagon, I chose to show four examples that I think represent the major milestones in the evolutionary process.

The first is the 1923 Star, which had the distinction of being the first station wagon to be built by an auto manufacturer, rather than an independent coach builder. The Star Motor Company had been purchased by the Durant Motor Company, and it was Durant who initiated the first production wagon. The bodies were made by the Stoughton Wagon Company and assembly was done at the Star manufacturing plant. Ray Hollinger of Hagerstown, MD owns this rare and historically important wagon.

The second example is the 1929 Ford station wagon, which was the first mass produced station wagon by any auto manufacturer. Although other manufacturers including the Star Motor Company had offered station wagons previously, it wasn’t until Henry Ford introduced the mass-produced Model A, that the station wagon became affordable to the general motoring public. The finely restored example shown here is owned by Bill Phillips of Cambria, CA.

The third example in the evolutionary process is the 1941 Chrysler Town & Country station sedan. Until the Chrysler Town & Country was produced, all station wagons were of the commercial rectangular wooden box design. The new Town & Country sedans were a combination of luxury and practicality for the prewar socialites who were the major buyers of station wagons at this time. This beautiful restoration is owned by Peter Heydon of Ann Arbor, MI.

The fourth example is the 1953 Buick which was the last station wagon made with real structural wood used in the building of the body. All-steel bodies were now the prevalent choice of thousands of station wagon buyers. Buick was the last manufacturer to hold on to the romance of the real wooden wagon. This fine example of the last of the wooden station wagons is owned by Alan Dann of Wayland, MA

Click here to view the book introduction chapter-Evolution

Back to Woodyshop